Getting a divorce in Phoenix

Different stages precede acceptance

May 2, 2011

By Mike Hinshaw

About.com has a useful page about the stages of divorce, including:

Denial

Shock

“Rollercoaster”

Bargaining

Letting go

Acceptance.

Once you’ve made the decision

Of course, each person reacts in individual ways and might not follow a “template,” but these are common phases, often reported by those who go through divorce. If you’ve come to realize that divorce is your best option, we can help you find a compatible, trained and experienced attorney in Phoenix or Maricopa County.

Consent decrees and default

According to the Maricopa County courts’ Web site:

In Arizona, the legal name for a divorce is Dissolution of Marriage. The amount of time that takes to get a dissolution or divorce can vary from case to case. State laws require that you wait 60 days from the date of service before you can proceed with a divorce. After the 60 days from the date of service passes, the steps necessary to obtaining a divorce will greatly depend on your situation.

A divorce where the parties have been married for a relatively short period of time, have no children, and little property or debt can be less involved. A divorce where the parties have been married for a long period of time, where there are minor children, or where there is a significant amount of property or debt to be divided and the parties are in disagreement may take additional time.

If both parties agree to all issues within the case, the case may proceed by the parties filing a consent decree. If the Petition for Dissolution has been filed and served on the other party and a response has not filed within the allotted time period, the filing party may apply for a default.

Self-help available, but attorney recommended

The courts’ divorce pages explain that “The person filing for the divorce is called the Petitioner. The person responding to the [filing] is called the Respondent” and that “Maricopa County Superior Court Self-Service Center has forms and instructions that you can use.” Also emphasized is that “It is important to get legal advice from a lawyer.” In fact, in another section, we see, “The first step in your case should be to speak with a lawyer to get legal advice. This will help you determine the best course of action for you.”

Where to file in Maricopa County

Clerk of the Superior Court Clerk of the Superior Court

Central Court Building                                   Southeast   Court Complex



201 West Jefferson, 1st floor                    222 East Javelina Drive, 1st floor



Phoenix, Arizona  85003                          Mesa, Arizona 85210

Clerk of the Superior Court Clerk of the Superior Court

Northeast Court Complex                        Northwest Court Complex



18380 North 40^th Street                          14264 West Tierra Buena Lane



Phoenix, Arizona  85032                          Surprise, Arizona  85374

[Note: For more information, please see “Divorce in Arizona.”]
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And that’s where our Web site comes in–If you’re ready to begin the search for a compatible, well trained, experienced divorce attorney, you can start with our free case evaluation (see below). If you need more information, please browse our site, using the tabs at the top of the page.